We are excited to start a new ministry project this month! We will be co-sponsoring a refugee family with Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Lincolnshire and plan for the family's arrival in early September, just like the congregation in this video did.
Refugee One, the Illinois affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and RefugeeServices, is currently being overwhelmed by the number of refugees being placed in Chicago. The US Dept of State defines a refugee as someone who has fled from his or her home country and cannot return because he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. These refugees come to the US after a very rigorous screening process and often after decades of living in refugee camps. There are THREE main ways you can help: 1. We will help furnish their new apartment. You can:
Purchase new items from the Target Registry (College Registry):
first name: St. Philip
last name: Lutheran CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REGISTRY
Bring these items to the RefugeeOne Benefit BBQ: Wednesday, August 17
Check out the donation list and see if you have any items to donate or know of anyone who might. We are especially looking for these items.
2. We will help raise $4000-8000 to help pay for the services that prepare them for life here in Chicago, including English language classes, employment counseling, etc. You can:
Make a generous cash donation -- you can make it here!
Bake for and buy at the RefugeeOne Bake Sale: Sunday, August 14
Give a free-will donation for your meal at the RefugeeOne Benefit BBQ: Wednesday, August 17
3. Be part of moving crew or decorating crew to help set-up their apartment before they arrive, or be part of the welcoming crew to welcome them at the airport! We are also looking for someone or some family that is interested in developing deeper relationships with the family by staying in contact and visiting with them during their first few months. For more information, contact Pastor Kyle or Pam.